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Proceedings of the Incorporated Society of Medical Officers of Health
78¢
Proceedings of the Society
E~bncHealth
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH. FOUNDED, 1856.
RECONSTITUTED,1888.
INCORPORATED,1891.
THE Annual Provincial Meeting of the Incorporated Society of Medical Officers of Health took place, on the invitation of the Yorkshire Branch, at Harrogate on Saturday, June 29th. The business meeting was held in the morning in the Council Chamber at the Municipal Buildings. Amongst those present were the following: Dr. J. C. McVail (Dumbartonshire), President; Dr. Newsholme (Brighton) ; Dr. 3.. R. Kaye (West Riding) ; Dr. W. L. Hunter (Pudsey); Dr. Rober~son (Sheffield); Dr. Armstrong (Newcastle-onTyne); Dr. J. Mitchell Wilson (Doncaster); Dr. F. J-. Allan (City of Westminster), Hon. Secretary; Dr. Herbert Jones (Hereford); Dr. James Clarke (Lichfield); Dr. J. B. Wilkinson (Oldham), Dr. Charles Harrison (Lincoln); Dr. W. G. Stevens (Renfrew); Dr. W. Arnold Evans (Bradford); Dr. Thomas Johnstone (Ilkley) ; Dr. E. G. Annis (Greenwich); Dr. James Edmunds (London); Dr. Forsyth (Birstall, Leeds) ; Dr. 3.. V. Millar (Wombwell) ; "Dr. W. G. Benne'tt (Otley, near Leeds); Dr. Charle~ Wills (Mansfield); Dr. Thomas Wilson (Walls en~on-Tyne); Dr. E. E. Peck (Queensbury, Bradford) ; Dr. Edmund hi. Smith (York) ; Dr. J. T. Neeeh (Halifax) ; Dr. Robert Beattie (Dewsbury) ; Dr. W. J. Forbes (Knaresborough) ; Dr. J. H. Buchanan (Thirsk) ; Dr. G. R. Green (Ripon); Dr. J. A. Hargreaves (Wetherby); Dr. W. R. Robertshaw (Stoeksbridge, near Sheffield); Dr. J. Adamson (Hetton-Ie-Hole); Dr. J. Housley (Rotford); Dr. A. Williamson (Otley, Wharfedale); Dr. J. R. Lambert (Farsley, near Leeds) ; Dr. Alfred Robinson (Rotherham) ; Dr. Kitchen, and a number of ladies. COImESPONDE~CE.---Letters Of apology for absence were received from a number of Fellows. Professor M. Hay, President of the Scottish Branch, wrote: " I regret that it will not be convenient for me to be present. I regret it the more as Dr. McVail is the first Scottish President of the Incorporated Society. There is no medical officer in Scotland who enjoys a larger share of the respect and affection of his confreres, and it was a great pleasure to us all when his merits were recognised by his appointment to the highest office in the Society." The Hon. Secretary of the Northern Branch wrote asking that the Branches should be invited to consider : (a) The regulations of the Local Government Board as to cubic space allowable for cows ; (b) V~rhether the Local Government Board should be empowered to compel local authorities to adopt byelaws for new buildings, regulations under the Cow~heds, Dairies, and Milkshops Order, etc. On the motion of Dr. KAYE, seconded by Dr. ARMStrONG, these questions were referred to the Branches for their opinion. A letter was also read asking the opinion of the Society as ~o the advisability of medical officers being required to act as hospital superintendents, police surgeons, etc.
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I t was resolved, on the motion of Dr. A}~MSTRONG, seconded b y Dr. ADAMSON, t h a t the question be referred to the Council. FACTORY AIqD WORKSHOP ACTS AIKENDMENT AND COI~SOLIDATIO]:~
B I L L s . - - T h e P r e s i d e n t reported t h a t the P a r l i a m e n t a r y Committee of the Society had considered these Bills, and h a d deputed the S e c r e t a r y and E d i t o r to interview the Chief Officers of the F a c t o r y D e p a r t m e n t , a n d lay the views of the Committee before them. The S e c r e t a r y reported t h a t the interview in question h a d taken place, and t h a t steps h a d been taken to have certain a m e n d m e n t s p u t down before t h e Bills went into Committee. The M a y o r (Alderman W. H. Milner), accompanied by Mr. A l d e r m a n Charles Fortune, Mr. Councillor Mudd, and the Town Clerk (Mr. 5. Turner Taylor), t h e n entered the hall. The M a y o r on taking t h e c h a i r expressed the pleasure t h e y h a d in welcoming the Society to Harroga~e, and explained the a r r a n g e m e n t s which had been made for spending the day. VOTE OF THANKs.--The PRESIDENT moved t h a t a cordial vote of t h a n k s be conveyed to the Mayor and Corporation of H a r r o g a t e for their kindness in allowing the use of the Council Chamber for t h e meeting. I t was seconded by Dr. ALLA~, a n d carried unanimously. After the routine business h a d been ~ransacted, the p a r t y visited the Old Sulphur Well, Valley Gardens, the Springs in the Bogs Field, H a r l o w Moor, a n d the service and storage reservoir, the differen0 mineral waters being explained by Atderman Fortune. At noon the M a y o r entertained the c o m p a n y to an excellent luncheon at the G r a n b y Hotel. Dm MCVAIL (the President of the Society) proposed the health of the Mayor, and said they were greatly obliged to him for his kindness in entertaining them. They had seen many interesting things. I-Iarrogate and the medical officers of health had something in common, for the latter were occupied in preventing diseases, whilst the former was engaged not only in preventing, but curing them. He believed the springs of Harrogate were almost unique, and their diversity was wonderful. At Harrogate they had come amongst colleagues, and their visit had been most delightful, and they were very grateful to Alderman Fortune for showing and explaining the wonderful springs. It seemed as if all the mineral waters in the body of the earth had sprung up at Harrogate, and those sulphur, saline, iron, and other waters had been taken in hand by the Corporation of ttarrogate and administered to the best possible advantage. To the Mayor they owed a debt of gratitude for entertaining them in such an excellent manner in such a charming place. They were greatly obliged to Alderman Fortune as well, and he asked them to drink the toast of the Health of the Mayor and Corporation. THE MAYOR, in reply, said he could only thank Dr. McYail and the other medical officers for the kind way in which they had proposed and accorded the toast. I t was only a small courtesy that he had been able to offer that day. He believed, as the President had kindly stated, Harrogate in its way was unique. He also believed that, under proper conditions, there was a great future before ?~he town. He had tp thank the medical officers who came from many districts-and some a great distance away--for visiting~that town, and they offered them a most hearty welcome. They had partly seen, and would further see, the resources of the town, ~nd he trusted the visi~ would give them all very great pleasure. He had to thank them for bringing the ladies, as social gatherings
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P r o c e e d i n g s o{ the S o c i e t y
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were ~lways pleasanter when graced by the fair sex. He could assure them that if ever thc Association decided to visit Harrogate again, they would always receive a most cordial welcome by the Mayor and Corporation of Harrogate. (Applause.) ALDERMANFORTUNEalso replied, and said that at Harrogate, to a certain extent, they felt that they did belong to the medical profession, and he thought they would be satisfied that what they were doing at Harrogate that day was for the benefit of humanity. It was a great pleasure to him to see the growth of Harrogate, and i t was equally pleasing to have a visit from such an important Society as theirs, for the medical officers would be able to see what they were doing and what they could do at ]~Iarregate. He thought that when they saw their Royal Baths they would acknowledge they were the finest in this country--it had been said the~ were the finest in the world. They had erected the baths for the purpose of attracting visitors to Harrogate, and for the purpose of using their mineral waters to the best advantage. Harrogate was advancing rapidly, and their object was to make the town beautiful and attractive, and to do ~he best they could in administering the mineral waters which were under their care for the benefit of those who sought their aid. The members present afterwards visited the Royal B a t h s , which were shown by ~ir. Algernon H . Davis (the superintendent), a n d various interesting items explained by A l d e r m a n F o r t u n e and Dr. D ' O y l y Grange, and subsequently drove to Knaresborough, w h e r e they inspected the Castle, Mother Shipton's Cave, the D r o p p i n g Well, P l o m p t o n Rocks, etc. I n the evening the P r e s i d e n t (Dr. McVail) e n t e r t a i n e d the Council of the Society to dinner at the H o t e l ~ a j e s t i c ; the Mayor, A l d e r m e n F o r t u n e a n d W a r d , and t h e Town Clerk were also present. Yorkshire B r a n c h . - - T h e a n n u a l m e e t i n g of t h e B r a n c h was held at t h e Town Hall, Bradford, on F r i d a y , J u l y 19th, 1901, Dr. H u n t e r in t h e Chair. Before proceeding to the passing of the minutes, the President adverted to t h e Annual Provincial Meeting of the Society which was held at H a r r o g a t e on June 29th. H e t h o u g h t t h e y were greatly indebted to the Corporation for their courteous and generous t r e a t m e n t , a n d he considered t h a t special t h a n k s were also due to the l i o n . S e c r e t a r y of t h e Branch. M I ~ u ~ E s . - - T h e minutes of the last meeting were r e a d a n d confirmed. Er,ECTmN.--Dr. Moore, Medical Officer of H e a l t h , l i u d d e r s f i e l d , was elected a m e m b e r of the Branch. ANNUAL REPORT.---The following annual report was r e a d and received:
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE YORKSHIRE BRANCH OF THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH (SESSION 1900-1901). Dr. W. L. Hunter has very ably filled the President's chair at the various meetings of the Branch, which have been held at the following times and places : September 28th, 1900, at Harrogate. December 14th, 1900, at Leeds. February 22nd, 1901, at Huddersfield. March 21st, 1901, at Leeds (third armual dinner). June 29th, 1901, at Harrogate. July 19th, 1901, at Bradford.
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Proceedings of the Society
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As will be seen from the following items, the Session has been remarkable for the interesting discussions on a number of matters which have been actively engaging public attention, rather than for the papers contributed by members. Thus we have had long and valuable discussions on diarrhcea certification, condemnation of tuberculous carcasses, cowshed requirements, bacteriology, factory and workshops legislation, etc. I n addition to this, the following papers have been read during the Session : President's address : "A Seamy Side of Sanitation," by Dr. W. L. Hunter, Pudsey. "Some Difficulties met with in the Isolation of Infectious Diseases," by Dr. T. A. Green, Meltham. "Notes on an Outbreak of Enteric Fever," by Dr. Denning, Elland. "Notes on Measles," by Dr. E. G. Annis, ttuddersfield. I n connection with each of the meetings, opportunities have been kindly afforded for the members to visit and inspect any places of sanitary interest in the district, and the Branch has been exceedingly well received on each occasion. The third annual dinner of the Branch was held in Leeds on March 21st, 1901, when fifty-one members and guests were present. Chief among the latter was Dr. G. Vivian Poore, who gave some exceedingly interesting reminiscences of public health work in the past and prognostications for the future. The representatives of the Branch have been elected to responsible seats on the Central Council, and this has necessitated a regular attendance at the meetings in London. In spite of this cost, however, the ]Jranch has a balance in hand, and may be congratulated on its vigorous state. The membership roll now s~ands as follows : On the list at the beginning of Session ...... Loss by death, removal, or resignation ...... Newly elected during Session . . . . . . . . .
121 9 9 121 EnECTION OF OFFICE~s.--The following were elected officers of the B r a n c h for the ensuing Session : Dr. Johnstone, of Ilkley, President ; Dr. Forsyth, Dr. Mitchell Wilson, Dr. H u n t e r , and Dr. Wade, VicePresidents. The constitution of tbe Council remains the same as last year with the following additions : Dr. Green, of Meltham ; Dr. Neech, of Halifax; a n d Dr. Fairelough, of Mirfield. Dr. J. R. Kaye w a s appointed Hen. Secretary and Treasurer for the eighth time. Dr. Mitchell Wilson was chosen as Representative on the Central Council. FAcTorY ANn WO~XSHOP Bmr~.--A discussion t h e n followed upon the Factory and Workshop A m e n d m e n t Bill. Dr. EVANS drew particular attention to Sections 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 28, and 41. A general feeling of disapproval was expressed by the various members present in relation to the continuous addition to the work of medical officers of health without a n y promise of increased remuneration. After m u c h discussion the following resolution, proposed by Dr. JOHNSTONE of Ilkley, and seconded by Dr. EVANS of :Bradford, was agreed to : "That the Hen. Secretary be asked to convey to H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories the adverse feeling of the Branch in relation to several of the proposed provisions of the Factory and Workshop Amendment Bill of 1901, an4 that special attention be drawn to: Section 17 of that Bill."
788
Proceedings of the Society
tr~to ~ea~
QUALIFICATIONOF BACTEttlOLOGISTS.~.~ The repor~ of the Special Committee of the Incorporated Society as to the qualifications of persons making the bacteriological diagnosis of disease was considered, and the following resolution was unanimously agreed to : "That this Br~neh of the Society of Medical Officers of Health is of opinion tha~ medical training and pathological knowledge are essential qualifications for all bacteriologists employed for ~he purposes of public health administration; and that the Local Government Board should be empowered to approve or disapprove the appointment of all bacteriologists employed for public health administration and to require evidence of the competency of the persons to be appointed." West of England and South Wales Braxtch.--A meeting of the Branch was held in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Buildings, Taunton, on July 4th. There were present Drs. Herbert 5ones (President, in the chair), D. S. Davies, H. 5. Alford, E. Walford, Tubb-Thomas, Symons, 5. IVI. Martin, Meredith, and 5. C. Heaven. MINuTEs.--The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE.--A letter was read from the Royal Institute of Public Health asking that delegates to the coming meeting should be appointed, but no action was taken thereon. A letter was also read from the lion. Secretary of the Incorporated Society stating that the Council had appointed a Special Committee, consisting of Drs. 5. C. Heaven, H. Armstrong, C, Templeman, Wellesley Harris, and R. Dudfield (with power to add to their number), to prepare a memorial to the Local Government Board dealing with the matters contained in the Branch's resolution of February, 1901, with reference to the Local Government Board Order for dealing with cholera, yellow fever, and plague. ELECTm~s.--Dr. WALFO~D proposed that Mr. John C. Heaven be the President of the Branch for the coming year ; this was seconded by Dr. SYstems, and no further proposition being made, was put to the meeting and duly carried. Dr. TUBB-THo~AS proposed, and Dr. MARTIN seconded, t h a t Dr. Symons, of Bath, be one of the Branch Representatives on the Council, and Dr. WAne'CaD proposed, and Dr, TUnB-THoMAs seconded, Dr. Herbert Jones, of Hereford, as the other Representative. These propositions were submitted to the meeting and du}y carried. Discussio~.--Dr. H. 5. ALFO~D then opened a discussion on " Some Points of Difficulty arising out of the Notification Act." VO~E OF THANKs.--A vote of thanks was accorded to the Mayor of Taunton for the use of the Council Chamber. Southern Braneh.--The annual meeting of the Branch was held on Friday, July 5th, at Northgate House, Winchester. There were present: Drs, Wellesley Harris (President, in the chair), Groves, Langdon, Parkinson, Mearns Fraser, Appteby, and, as visitor, the Mayor of ,Winchester (Conne-Bowker). The members were very kindly entertained at lunch by Dr. Langdou. Mi~uTEs.--Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. ELECTIO~S.--On the recommendation of the Committee, the following officers were elected: President, Dr. W. G. Willoughby; Vice-
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T h e Chloros Distributor
789
Presidents, the ex-President and Dr. l~umby ; Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. A. hlearns Fraser; Representatives on Council of Incorporated Society, Drs. Kelly and Groves; Council of Branch, the above, with Drs. Griffith, Bostoek, Stoll, Norman, and Parkinson. AecouNTs.--These were read and approved, showing a balance in favour of the Branch. ¥OTES OF THANKS.--The thanks of the Branch were accorded to Drs. Harris and Willoughby for their services as President and Treasurer and Secretary respectively. mUNICIPAL BACTERIOLOGY.--Dr. A. ~/~EARNS FRASER read a short paper on " Municipal Bacteriology."* After a discussion, it was proposed by Dr. LANGDON, seconded by Dr. GgovEs, and resolved : "That it is advisable that a bacteriologist be appointed by the Hants County Council to assist medical officers of health in the smaller urban and rural districts." D1 Fraser was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his paper. The meeting then adjourned to inspect the Winchester refusedestructor and sewage pumping-station.
THE CHLOROS DISTRIBUTOR. WE have recently had an opportunity of seeing this simple but effective piece of apparatus in operation, and have been pleased with the work done. It is designed to flush out courtyards, stables, ere., first with plain water, and then with solutions of disinfectant of known strength. The construction of the apparatus is illustrated in the appended engraving.
The distributor is constructed entirely of hard gun-metal, and is of extremely substantial construction to withstand the roughest usage. It is connected to hose from the street mains at A, and to the disinfectant supply at B. The water, under pressure from the mains, by its increased vetocity through the constricted passage C, draws the disinfectant through the pipe B, and the valves D and E, and thoroughly mixes it whilstso doing. The mixture is distributed through a suitable spreader attached to a hose connected to the outlet F. The supply of disinfectant can be regulated to any desired proportion by ~:-"Will appear in a future issue.
Proceedings of the Society
E~bncHealth
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH. FOUNDED, 1856.
RECONSTITUTED,1888.
INCORPORATED,1891.
THE Annual Provincial Meeting of the Incorporated Society of Medical Officers of Health took place, on the invitation of the Yorkshire Branch, at Harrogate on Saturday, June 29th. The business meeting was held in the morning in the Council Chamber at the Municipal Buildings. Amongst those present were the following: Dr. J. C. McVail (Dumbartonshire), President; Dr. Newsholme (Brighton) ; Dr. 3.. R. Kaye (West Riding) ; Dr. W. L. Hunter (Pudsey); Dr. Rober~son (Sheffield); Dr. Armstrong (Newcastle-onTyne); Dr. J. Mitchell Wilson (Doncaster); Dr. F. J-. Allan (City of Westminster), Hon. Secretary; Dr. Herbert Jones (Hereford); Dr. James Clarke (Lichfield); Dr. J. B. Wilkinson (Oldham), Dr. Charles Harrison (Lincoln); Dr. W. G. Stevens (Renfrew); Dr. W. Arnold Evans (Bradford); Dr. Thomas Johnstone (Ilkley) ; Dr. E. G. Annis (Greenwich); Dr. James Edmunds (London); Dr. Forsyth (Birstall, Leeds) ; Dr. 3.. V. Millar (Wombwell) ; "Dr. W. G. Benne'tt (Otley, near Leeds); Dr. Charle~ Wills (Mansfield); Dr. Thomas Wilson (Walls en~on-Tyne); Dr. E. E. Peck (Queensbury, Bradford) ; Dr. Edmund hi. Smith (York) ; Dr. J. T. Neeeh (Halifax) ; Dr. Robert Beattie (Dewsbury) ; Dr. W. J. Forbes (Knaresborough) ; Dr. J. H. Buchanan (Thirsk) ; Dr. G. R. Green (Ripon); Dr. J. A. Hargreaves (Wetherby); Dr. W. R. Robertshaw (Stoeksbridge, near Sheffield); Dr. J. Adamson (Hetton-Ie-Hole); Dr. J. Housley (Rotford); Dr. A. Williamson (Otley, Wharfedale); Dr. J. R. Lambert (Farsley, near Leeds) ; Dr. Alfred Robinson (Rotherham) ; Dr. Kitchen, and a number of ladies. COImESPONDE~CE.---Letters Of apology for absence were received from a number of Fellows. Professor M. Hay, President of the Scottish Branch, wrote: " I regret that it will not be convenient for me to be present. I regret it the more as Dr. McVail is the first Scottish President of the Incorporated Society. There is no medical officer in Scotland who enjoys a larger share of the respect and affection of his confreres, and it was a great pleasure to us all when his merits were recognised by his appointment to the highest office in the Society." The Hon. Secretary of the Northern Branch wrote asking that the Branches should be invited to consider : (a) The regulations of the Local Government Board as to cubic space allowable for cows ; (b) V~rhether the Local Government Board should be empowered to compel local authorities to adopt byelaws for new buildings, regulations under the Cow~heds, Dairies, and Milkshops Order, etc. On the motion of Dr. KAYE, seconded by Dr. ARMStrONG, these questions were referred to the Branches for their opinion. A letter was also read asking the opinion of the Society as ~o the advisability of medical officers being required to act as hospital superintendents, police surgeons, etc.
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I t was resolved, on the motion of Dr. A}~MSTRONG, seconded b y Dr. ADAMSON, t h a t the question be referred to the Council. FACTORY AIqD WORKSHOP ACTS AIKENDMENT AND COI~SOLIDATIO]:~
B I L L s . - - T h e P r e s i d e n t reported t h a t the P a r l i a m e n t a r y Committee of the Society had considered these Bills, and h a d deputed the S e c r e t a r y and E d i t o r to interview the Chief Officers of the F a c t o r y D e p a r t m e n t , a n d lay the views of the Committee before them. The S e c r e t a r y reported t h a t the interview in question h a d taken place, and t h a t steps h a d been taken to have certain a m e n d m e n t s p u t down before t h e Bills went into Committee. The M a y o r (Alderman W. H. Milner), accompanied by Mr. A l d e r m a n Charles Fortune, Mr. Councillor Mudd, and the Town Clerk (Mr. 5. Turner Taylor), t h e n entered the hall. The M a y o r on taking t h e c h a i r expressed the pleasure t h e y h a d in welcoming the Society to Harroga~e, and explained the a r r a n g e m e n t s which had been made for spending the day. VOTE OF THANKs.--The PRESIDENT moved t h a t a cordial vote of t h a n k s be conveyed to the Mayor and Corporation of H a r r o g a t e for their kindness in allowing the use of the Council Chamber for t h e meeting. I t was seconded by Dr. ALLA~, a n d carried unanimously. After the routine business h a d been ~ransacted, the p a r t y visited the Old Sulphur Well, Valley Gardens, the Springs in the Bogs Field, H a r l o w Moor, a n d the service and storage reservoir, the differen0 mineral waters being explained by Atderman Fortune. At noon the M a y o r entertained the c o m p a n y to an excellent luncheon at the G r a n b y Hotel. Dm MCVAIL (the President of the Society) proposed the health of the Mayor, and said they were greatly obliged to him for his kindness in entertaining them. They had seen many interesting things. I-Iarrogate and the medical officers of health had something in common, for the latter were occupied in preventing diseases, whilst the former was engaged not only in preventing, but curing them. He believed the springs of Harrogate were almost unique, and their diversity was wonderful. At Harrogate they had come amongst colleagues, and their visit had been most delightful, and they were very grateful to Alderman Fortune for showing and explaining the wonderful springs. It seemed as if all the mineral waters in the body of the earth had sprung up at Harrogate, and those sulphur, saline, iron, and other waters had been taken in hand by the Corporation of ttarrogate and administered to the best possible advantage. To the Mayor they owed a debt of gratitude for entertaining them in such an excellent manner in such a charming place. They were greatly obliged to Alderman Fortune as well, and he asked them to drink the toast of the Health of the Mayor and Corporation. THE MAYOR, in reply, said he could only thank Dr. McYail and the other medical officers for the kind way in which they had proposed and accorded the toast. I t was only a small courtesy that he had been able to offer that day. He believed, as the President had kindly stated, Harrogate in its way was unique. He also believed that, under proper conditions, there was a great future before ?~he town. He had tp thank the medical officers who came from many districts-and some a great distance away--for visiting~that town, and they offered them a most hearty welcome. They had partly seen, and would further see, the resources of the town, ~nd he trusted the visi~ would give them all very great pleasure. He had to thank them for bringing the ladies, as social gatherings
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P r o c e e d i n g s o{ the S o c i e t y
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were ~lways pleasanter when graced by the fair sex. He could assure them that if ever thc Association decided to visit Harrogate again, they would always receive a most cordial welcome by the Mayor and Corporation of Harrogate. (Applause.) ALDERMANFORTUNEalso replied, and said that at Harrogate, to a certain extent, they felt that they did belong to the medical profession, and he thought they would be satisfied that what they were doing at Harrogate that day was for the benefit of humanity. It was a great pleasure to him to see the growth of Harrogate, and i t was equally pleasing to have a visit from such an important Society as theirs, for the medical officers would be able to see what they were doing and what they could do at ]~Iarregate. He thought that when they saw their Royal Baths they would acknowledge they were the finest in this country--it had been said the~ were the finest in the world. They had erected the baths for the purpose of attracting visitors to Harrogate, and for the purpose of using their mineral waters to the best advantage. Harrogate was advancing rapidly, and their object was to make the town beautiful and attractive, and to do ~he best they could in administering the mineral waters which were under their care for the benefit of those who sought their aid. The members present afterwards visited the Royal B a t h s , which were shown by ~ir. Algernon H . Davis (the superintendent), a n d various interesting items explained by A l d e r m a n F o r t u n e and Dr. D ' O y l y Grange, and subsequently drove to Knaresborough, w h e r e they inspected the Castle, Mother Shipton's Cave, the D r o p p i n g Well, P l o m p t o n Rocks, etc. I n the evening the P r e s i d e n t (Dr. McVail) e n t e r t a i n e d the Council of the Society to dinner at the H o t e l ~ a j e s t i c ; the Mayor, A l d e r m e n F o r t u n e a n d W a r d , and t h e Town Clerk were also present. Yorkshire B r a n c h . - - T h e a n n u a l m e e t i n g of t h e B r a n c h was held at t h e Town Hall, Bradford, on F r i d a y , J u l y 19th, 1901, Dr. H u n t e r in t h e Chair. Before proceeding to the passing of the minutes, the President adverted to t h e Annual Provincial Meeting of the Society which was held at H a r r o g a t e on June 29th. H e t h o u g h t t h e y were greatly indebted to the Corporation for their courteous and generous t r e a t m e n t , a n d he considered t h a t special t h a n k s were also due to the l i o n . S e c r e t a r y of t h e Branch. M I ~ u ~ E s . - - T h e minutes of the last meeting were r e a d a n d confirmed. Er,ECTmN.--Dr. Moore, Medical Officer of H e a l t h , l i u d d e r s f i e l d , was elected a m e m b e r of the Branch. ANNUAL REPORT.---The following annual report was r e a d and received:
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE YORKSHIRE BRANCH OF THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY OF MEDICAL OFFICERS OF HEALTH (SESSION 1900-1901). Dr. W. L. Hunter has very ably filled the President's chair at the various meetings of the Branch, which have been held at the following times and places : September 28th, 1900, at Harrogate. December 14th, 1900, at Leeds. February 22nd, 1901, at Huddersfield. March 21st, 1901, at Leeds (third armual dinner). June 29th, 1901, at Harrogate. July 19th, 1901, at Bradford.
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Proceedings of the Society
787
As will be seen from the following items, the Session has been remarkable for the interesting discussions on a number of matters which have been actively engaging public attention, rather than for the papers contributed by members. Thus we have had long and valuable discussions on diarrhcea certification, condemnation of tuberculous carcasses, cowshed requirements, bacteriology, factory and workshops legislation, etc. I n addition to this, the following papers have been read during the Session : President's address : "A Seamy Side of Sanitation," by Dr. W. L. Hunter, Pudsey. "Some Difficulties met with in the Isolation of Infectious Diseases," by Dr. T. A. Green, Meltham. "Notes on an Outbreak of Enteric Fever," by Dr. Denning, Elland. "Notes on Measles," by Dr. E. G. Annis, ttuddersfield. I n connection with each of the meetings, opportunities have been kindly afforded for the members to visit and inspect any places of sanitary interest in the district, and the Branch has been exceedingly well received on each occasion. The third annual dinner of the Branch was held in Leeds on March 21st, 1901, when fifty-one members and guests were present. Chief among the latter was Dr. G. Vivian Poore, who gave some exceedingly interesting reminiscences of public health work in the past and prognostications for the future. The representatives of the Branch have been elected to responsible seats on the Central Council, and this has necessitated a regular attendance at the meetings in London. In spite of this cost, however, the ]Jranch has a balance in hand, and may be congratulated on its vigorous state. The membership roll now s~ands as follows : On the list at the beginning of Session ...... Loss by death, removal, or resignation ...... Newly elected during Session . . . . . . . . .
121 9 9 121 EnECTION OF OFFICE~s.--The following were elected officers of the B r a n c h for the ensuing Session : Dr. Johnstone, of Ilkley, President ; Dr. Forsyth, Dr. Mitchell Wilson, Dr. H u n t e r , and Dr. Wade, VicePresidents. The constitution of tbe Council remains the same as last year with the following additions : Dr. Green, of Meltham ; Dr. Neech, of Halifax; a n d Dr. Fairelough, of Mirfield. Dr. J. R. Kaye w a s appointed Hen. Secretary and Treasurer for the eighth time. Dr. Mitchell Wilson was chosen as Representative on the Central Council. FAcTorY ANn WO~XSHOP Bmr~.--A discussion t h e n followed upon the Factory and Workshop A m e n d m e n t Bill. Dr. EVANS drew particular attention to Sections 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 28, and 41. A general feeling of disapproval was expressed by the various members present in relation to the continuous addition to the work of medical officers of health without a n y promise of increased remuneration. After m u c h discussion the following resolution, proposed by Dr. JOHNSTONE of Ilkley, and seconded by Dr. EVANS of :Bradford, was agreed to : "That the Hen. Secretary be asked to convey to H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories the adverse feeling of the Branch in relation to several of the proposed provisions of the Factory and Workshop Amendment Bill of 1901, an4 that special attention be drawn to: Section 17 of that Bill."
788
Proceedings of the Society
tr~to ~ea~
QUALIFICATIONOF BACTEttlOLOGISTS.~.~ The repor~ of the Special Committee of the Incorporated Society as to the qualifications of persons making the bacteriological diagnosis of disease was considered, and the following resolution was unanimously agreed to : "That this Br~neh of the Society of Medical Officers of Health is of opinion tha~ medical training and pathological knowledge are essential qualifications for all bacteriologists employed for ~he purposes of public health administration; and that the Local Government Board should be empowered to approve or disapprove the appointment of all bacteriologists employed for public health administration and to require evidence of the competency of the persons to be appointed." West of England and South Wales Braxtch.--A meeting of the Branch was held in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Buildings, Taunton, on July 4th. There were present Drs. Herbert 5ones (President, in the chair), D. S. Davies, H. 5. Alford, E. Walford, Tubb-Thomas, Symons, 5. IVI. Martin, Meredith, and 5. C. Heaven. MINuTEs.--The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE.--A letter was read from the Royal Institute of Public Health asking that delegates to the coming meeting should be appointed, but no action was taken thereon. A letter was also read from the lion. Secretary of the Incorporated Society stating that the Council had appointed a Special Committee, consisting of Drs. 5. C. Heaven, H. Armstrong, C, Templeman, Wellesley Harris, and R. Dudfield (with power to add to their number), to prepare a memorial to the Local Government Board dealing with the matters contained in the Branch's resolution of February, 1901, with reference to the Local Government Board Order for dealing with cholera, yellow fever, and plague. ELECTm~s.--Dr. WALFO~D proposed that Mr. John C. Heaven be the President of the Branch for the coming year ; this was seconded by Dr. SYstems, and no further proposition being made, was put to the meeting and duly carried. Dr. TUBB-THo~AS proposed, and Dr. MARTIN seconded, t h a t Dr. Symons, of Bath, be one of the Branch Representatives on the Council, and Dr. WAne'CaD proposed, and Dr, TUnB-THoMAs seconded, Dr. Herbert Jones, of Hereford, as the other Representative. These propositions were submitted to the meeting and du}y carried. Discussio~.--Dr. H. 5. ALFO~D then opened a discussion on " Some Points of Difficulty arising out of the Notification Act." VO~E OF THANKs.--A vote of thanks was accorded to the Mayor of Taunton for the use of the Council Chamber. Southern Braneh.--The annual meeting of the Branch was held on Friday, July 5th, at Northgate House, Winchester. There were present: Drs, Wellesley Harris (President, in the chair), Groves, Langdon, Parkinson, Mearns Fraser, Appteby, and, as visitor, the Mayor of ,Winchester (Conne-Bowker). The members were very kindly entertained at lunch by Dr. Langdou. Mi~uTEs.--Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. ELECTIO~S.--On the recommendation of the Committee, the following officers were elected: President, Dr. W. G. Willoughby; Vice-
A~'~.~t,~9o~
T h e Chloros Distributor
789
Presidents, the ex-President and Dr. l~umby ; Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. A. hlearns Fraser; Representatives on Council of Incorporated Society, Drs. Kelly and Groves; Council of Branch, the above, with Drs. Griffith, Bostoek, Stoll, Norman, and Parkinson. AecouNTs.--These were read and approved, showing a balance in favour of the Branch. ¥OTES OF THANKS.--The thanks of the Branch were accorded to Drs. Harris and Willoughby for their services as President and Treasurer and Secretary respectively. mUNICIPAL BACTERIOLOGY.--Dr. A. ~/~EARNS FRASER read a short paper on " Municipal Bacteriology."* After a discussion, it was proposed by Dr. LANGDON, seconded by Dr. GgovEs, and resolved : "That it is advisable that a bacteriologist be appointed by the Hants County Council to assist medical officers of health in the smaller urban and rural districts." D1 Fraser was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his paper. The meeting then adjourned to inspect the Winchester refusedestructor and sewage pumping-station.
THE CHLOROS DISTRIBUTOR. WE have recently had an opportunity of seeing this simple but effective piece of apparatus in operation, and have been pleased with the work done. It is designed to flush out courtyards, stables, ere., first with plain water, and then with solutions of disinfectant of known strength. The construction of the apparatus is illustrated in the appended engraving.
The distributor is constructed entirely of hard gun-metal, and is of extremely substantial construction to withstand the roughest usage. It is connected to hose from the street mains at A, and to the disinfectant supply at B. The water, under pressure from the mains, by its increased vetocity through the constricted passage C, draws the disinfectant through the pipe B, and the valves D and E, and thoroughly mixes it whilstso doing. The mixture is distributed through a suitable spreader attached to a hose connected to the outlet F. The supply of disinfectant can be regulated to any desired proportion by ~:-"Will appear in a future issue.